Method for positioning vehicle blind spot sensor

Abstract

A method for positioning a vehicle blind spot sensor according to vehicle specifications is disclosed herein, in various aspects. The method includes the step of creating a laser centerline of the vehicle on a horizontal surface, wherein the centerline extends a predetermined distance behind the rear end of the vehicle. The method further includes the step of creating a laser orientation line that corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor on the horizontal surface, wherein the orientation line intersects the vehicle centerline to provide an actual offset angle of the blind spot sensor relative to the vehicle centerline. The actual offset angle is compared with a vehicle manufacturer specified offset angle. The blind spot sensor is adjusted until the actual offset angle matches the specified offset angle if the actual offset angle varies from the specified offset angle.

Description

METHOD FOR POSITIONING VEHICLE BLIND SPOT SENSORTECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure is directed to the calibration of vehicle sensors and, more particularly, to a method and related apparatus for positioning or repositioning a vehicle blind spot sensor.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Modern vehicles include advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that assist vehicle operators with the safe operation of their vehicles. Part of an ADAS system is a blind spot detection (BSD) system that monitors the “blind spot” areas near the rearward sides of a vehicle, and provides a warning if an object is in proximity to the vehicle. These BSD systems include a number of proximity sensors, known as blind spot monitoring sensors or blind spot sensors.

[0003] Blind spot sensors may become damaged or misaligned, for example, from a vehicle collision or vehicle repair. In these cases, the blind spot sensors must be assessed and, if necessary, repositioned and recalibrated or replaced and calibrated. Current methods for assessing and repositioning or positioning blind spot sensors are time-consuming and may require bulky and expensive equipment. Accordingly, there is a need for improved methods for assessing and positioning or repositioning a vehicle blind spot sensor.BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] These and other needs and disadvantages may be overcome by the methods and apparatus disclosed herein. Additional improvements and advantages may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of the present disclosure.

[0005] In various aspects, a method for positioning a vehicle blind spot sensor according to vehicle specifications is disclosed herein. The method includes the step of providing an apparatus adapted to determine an offset angle of the blind spot sensor, in various aspects. The apparatus may include a support stand having a vertical post, and a calibration assembly slidably mounted to the vertical post, in various aspects. The calibration assembly includes an angle determiner that is adapted to engage the blind spot sensor and project an orientation line onto a substantiallyhorizontal surface, such as a concrete slab supporting the vehicle, wherein the orientation line corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor, in various aspects.

[0006] The method includes the step of parking a vehicle on the horizontal surface, in various aspects. A front point is created on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the center of the front end of the vehicle, in various aspects. A rear point is created on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the center of the rear end of the vehicle, in various aspects. A centerline of the vehicle is created on the horizontal surface using the front point and the rear point, wherein the centerline extends a predetermined distance behind the rear end of the vehicle, in various aspects.

[0007] The orientation line that corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor is created on the horizontal surface with the angle determiner, wherein the orientation line intersects the vehicle centerline to provide an actual offset angle of the blind spot sensor relative to the centerline, in various aspects. The actual offset angle is compared with a vehicle specified offset angle, or original equipment manufacturer (OEM) offset angle, provided by the vehicle manufacturer, in various aspects. The blind spot sensor is adjusted until the actual offset angle matches the OEM offset angle if the actual offset angle varies from the OEM offset angle, in various aspects.

[0008] This summary is presented to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein as a prelude to the detailed description that follows below. Accordingly, this summary is not intended to identify key elements of the apparatus and methods disclosed herein or to delineate the scope thereof.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0009] FIG. l is a top view of an exemplary vehicle.

[0010] FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of an exemplary calibration stand constructed in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 3 is another left side perspective view of the exemplary calibration stand shown in FIG. 2

[0012] FIG. 4 is a right side perspective view of the exemplary calibration stand shown in FIG. 2.

[0013] FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of the exemplary calibration stand shown in FIG. 2.

[0014] FIG. 6 is a top view of an exemplary vehicle and a centerline thereof. A blind spot sensor orientation line is shown projected onto the horizontal surface and intersecting the vehicle centerline to show an actual offset angle of the blind spot sensor relative to the centerline.

[0015] The Figures are exemplary only, and the exemplary implementations illustrated therein are selected to facilitate explanation. For example, the components of various apparatus illustrated in the Figures may be selected for explanatory purposes, and the components may be grouped in the Figures in various ways to facilitate description, so that the apparatus may include various other components or the components may be grouped in various other ways, in other implementations. The number, position, relationship and dimensions of the elements shown in the Figures to form the various implementations described herein are explained herein or are understandable to a person of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure. Where used in the various Figures, the same numerals designate the same or similar elements. Furthermore, when the terms "top," "bottom," "right," "left," "forward," "rear," "first," "second," "inside," "outside," and similar terms are used, the terms should be understood in reference to the orientation of the implementations shown in the Figures and are utilized to facilitate description thereof. Use herein of relative terms such as generally, about, approximately, essentially, may be indicative of engineering, manufacturing, computational, or scientific tolerances such as ±0.1%, ±1%, ±2.5%, ±5%, or other such tolerances, as would be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the art upon study of this disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] The present application claims priority to and benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 632074, filed April 10, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0017] Methods and related apparatus for positioning a vehicle blind spot sensor are disclosed herein. FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary vehicle 10 having a front end 11, a rear end 12, a left side 13, a right side 14, a left blind spot sensor 21, and a right blind spot sensor 22. The left blind spot sensor 21 is located in proximity to the junction of the rear end 12 and the left side 13 and the right blind spot sensor 22 is located in proximity to the junction of the rear end 12 and the right side 14. The vehicle includes a front center point 16 that typically has a vehicle emblem / logo attached thereto and a rear center point 17 that also typically has a vehicle emblem / logo attached thereto. The vehicle is supported on a substantially horizontal surface 50, such as a concrete slab.

[0018] FIGS. 2-5 illustrate an exemplary apparatus 100 for use in the method of the present invention. The apparatus 100 comprises a support stand 110, a vertical post 120, and a calibration assembly 130 slidably mounted to the vertical post 120. The support stand 110 may include a platform 111 having a receiver 112 for reversibly securing a lower end 121 of the vertical post 120, wherein the vertical post 120 is preferably secured in a substantially vertical orientation. The support stand 110 may include a plurality of adjustable feet 113 for leveling the platform 111. The platform 111 may include a hole 115 therethrough for aligning the stand 110 over a specific spot located on the horizontal surface 50 a predetermined distance from a vehicle.

[0019] The calibration assembly 130 preferably comprises a slidable coupling mechanism 131 for reversibly securing the calibration assembly 130 along the length of vertical post 120, and a level mechanism 132 for displaying the orientation of the calibration assembly 130 relative to the horizontal surface 50. The calibration assembly 130 includes an angle determiner 135 having a vertically disposed laser device 136 operable to actuate a vertical laser light. The angle determiner 135 is adapted to engage a blind spot sensor, such as blind spot sensor 21, preferably by abutting the sensor’s vertically disposed face and then actuate the vertical laser device 136 to project a horizontal orientation line 140 onto the horizontal surface 50 that corresponds to the horizontal orientation of the blind spot sensor, shown in FIG. 6. The orientation line 140 intersects a vehicle centerline 40, described below, to show an actual offset angle A of the blind spot sensor relative to the centerline 40.

[0020] The assembly 130 may also include a calibration laser device 145 operable to discharge a horizontal laser towards a vehicle sensor, such as blind spot sensor 21, 22, to calibrate the sensor, as is known in the prior art. The calibration laser device 145 may include a removable trihedral cover 146, The calibration assembly 130 may include a height determiner 150 operable to discharge a vertical laser light to engage the horizontal surface 50 to determine the height of the calibration assembly 130 relative to the horizontal surface 50 and thereby allow the calibration assembly 130 and its various attached devices to be positioned at the designated height provided by the vehicle manufacturer. A method for positioning or repositioning a vehicle blind spot sensor, such as blind spot sensor 21 or 22, utilizing the apparatus 110 described above, is set forth in the following example.EXAMPLE

[0021] An exemplary method for calibrating a vehicle blind spot sensor, includes the following steps:

[0022] Step 1 : Providing an apparatus, such as apparatus 100, for determining an offset angle of a blind spot sensor, such as blind spot sensor 21.

[0023] Step 2: Parking a vehicle, such as vehicle 10, on a substantially flat horizontal surface, such as horizontal surface 50.

[0024] Step 3 : Creating a front center point 30 on the horizontal surface 50 that corresponds to the front end center 16 of the vehicle 10. This can be done using a plumb line or vertical laser device aligned with the front end center 16, as is known in the art.

[0025] Step 4: Creating a rear center point 35 on the horizontal surface 50 that corresponds to the rear end center 17 of the vehicle 10. This can be done using a plumb line or vertical laser device aligned with the rear end center 17, as is known in the art.

[0026] Step 5 : Creating a centerline 40 on the horizontal surface 50 that corresponds to a centerline of the vehicle 10 by aligning the front center point 30 and the rear center point 35, wherein the centerline 40 extends a predetermined distance behind the rear end 12 of the vehicle 10. This can be done using a horizontal laser device projecting a laser light underneath the vehicle from the front end of the vehicle and aligning the front center point 30 and the rear center point 35.

[0027] Step 6: Assessing the vertical orientation of the blind spot sensor and adjusting the blind spot sensor, if needed, so that it is in proper vertical alignment according to vehicle specifications. This can be done using a digital angle gauge, as is known in the art.

[0028] Step 7: Engaging the blind spot sensor with an angle determiner, such as angle determiner 135, to determine the orientation of the blind spot sensor and then creating an orientation line, such as orientation line 140, on the horizontal surface 50 that corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor. This can be done using a vertical laser device 136 operably connected to the angle determiner 135. The orientation line 140 intersects the centerline 40 to thereby provide the actual offset angle A of the blind spot sensor relative to the centerline.

[0029] Step 8: Comparing the actual offset angle A with a specified offset angle, or OEM offset angle, provided by the vehicle manufacturer.

[0030] Step 9: Adjusting the blind spot sensor until the actual offset angle A matches the OEM offset angle if the actual offset angle A varies from the OEM offset angle.

[0031] While the invention has been shown and described in some detail with reference to specific exemplary embodiments, there is no intention that the invention be limited to such detail. On the contrary, the invention is intended to include any alternative or equivalent embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as described and claimed herein. For example, the various steps in the exemplary method can be performed in different orders, some steps could be modified, some excluded, or other steps added.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A method for positioning a vehicle blind spot sensor, comprising the steps of: a. parking a vehicle on a substantially horizontal surface, the vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, and a blind spot sensor located in proximity to the rear end; b. creating a front point on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the center of the front end of the vehicle; c. creating a rear point on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the center of the rear end of the vehicle; d. creating a centerline of the vehicle on the horizontal surface using the front point and the rear point, wherein the centerline extends a predetermined distance behind the rear end of the vehicle; e. creating an orientation line on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor, wherein the orientation line engages the centerline to provide an actual offset angle of the blind spot sensor relative to the centerline; f. comparing the actual offset angle with an OEM offset angle provided by the vehicle manufacturer; and g. adjusting the blind spot sensor until the actual offset angle matches the OEM offset angle if the actual offset angle varies from the OEM offset angle.

2. A method according to claim 1, wherein the blind spot sensor is selected from the group consisting of a left blind spot sensor and a right blind spot sensor, the left blind spot sensor located in proximity to the junction of the rear end and the left side, and the right blind spot sensor located in proximity to the junction of the rear end and the right side.

3. A method for positioning a vehicle blind spot sensor, comprising the steps of: a. providing an apparatus for determining an offset angle of the blind spot sensor, the apparatus comprising: i. a support stand; ii. a vertical post; andiii. a calibration assembly slidably mounted to the vertical post, the calibration assembly comprising an angle determiner that is adapted to engage the blind spot sensor and project an orientation line onto a substantially horizontal surface that corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor; b. parking a vehicle on the horizontal surface, the vehicle having a front end, a rear end, a left side, a right side, and the blind spot sensor, the blind spot sensor located in proximity to the rear end; c. creating a front point on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the center of the front end of the vehicle; d. creating a rear point on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the center of the rear end of the vehicle; e. creating a centerline of the vehicle on the horizontal surface using the front point and the rear point, wherein the centerline extends a predetermined distance behind the rear end of the vehicle; f. creating the orientation line on the horizontal surface that corresponds to the orientation of the blind spot sensor utilizing the angle determiner, wherein the orientation line engages the centerline to provide an actual offset angle of the blind spot sensor relative to the centerline; g. comparing the actual offset angle with an OEM offset angle provided by the vehicle manufacturer; and h. adjusting the blind spot sensor until the actual offset angle matches the OEM offset angle if the actual offset angle varies from the OEM offset angle.

4. A method according to claim 3, wherein the blind spot sensor is selected from the group consisting of a left blind spot sensor and a right blind spot sensor, the left blind spot sensor located in proximity to the junction of the rear end and the left side, and the right blind spot sensor located in proximity to the junction of the rear end and the right side.

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